HMNZS Aotearoa is a new Polar-class logistics support vessel being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), as part of the Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) project.

It is intended to replace the ageing HMNZS Endeavour tanker that is currently in service with the RNZN.

The New Zealand Defence Force initially placed an order with HHI for the construction of a 24,000t-class logistics support vessel in July 2016.

HHI subcontracted Rolls-Royce to deliver a concept design for the vessel in September 2016.

The vessel was christened HMNZS Aotearoa (A12) in April 2017 and is scheduled to be delivered to the RNZN in January 2020.

The ship will be home-ported at New Plymouth.

HMZNS Aotearoa is expected to support replenishment at sea (RAS) and underway replenishment (UNREP) operations, as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

It will also provide assistance during logistics operations in Antarctica, including the resupply of McMurdo Station and Scott Base.